Becoming a pharmacy technician in New York provides you with a flexible career in the growing healthcare industry. Working in a grocery store, big-box store, or independent pharmacy might be your first thought regarding places of employment. However, pharmacy technicians can also be found in hospitals, medical centers, and other locations offering a more hands-off approach to your career.
New York Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements
Unlike some states, New York does not require individuals to register or be licensed as pharmacy technicians. New York, however, does impose some minimum requirements for those interested in this career path. These include:
- Possession of a high school diploma or a GED
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check
- Must have good moral character
- Successful completion of a pharmacy technician program
New York does not require obtaining certification before beginning work as a pharmacy technician. However, attending an accredited program that will prepare you for such a career is a wise decision. Find out more from the New York Board of Pharmacy.
New York Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook
In most cases, a pharmacy technician is employed in a retail pharmacy environment. This might be a grocery store, hospital, retail store, or other similar location. Other places where a pharmacy technician might work include clinics, online pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, and mail-order pharmacies.
The average earnings for a pharmacy technician in New York state can vary greatly. Much depends on the geographical region where you’re employed and the employer itself.
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) noted that experienced pharmacy technicians across the state average a salary of more than $50,500 annually. Those who are in entry-level positions can make about $24,860 annually. This equates to a pharmacy technician’s average annual pay of $35,790. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), full-time pharmacy technicians across the nation make an average of $33,950 yearly or more than $16 per hour, as of May 2019.
In 2019, there were more than 422,000 jobs for pharmacy technicians across the United States. Over the next decade, through 2029, the demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow about as fast as average at around four percent. The BLS projects that the industry will add more than 15,000 more jobs for pharmacy technicians through 2029.
As the country’s population ages and the push for tailored treatment options expands, the demand for pharmaceutical services will continue to grow. While some employers will hire people with only a high school diploma or GED to fill their need for pharmacy technicians, attending a certification program reduces their need to train you.
In addition, attending a pharmacy technician program provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to successfully advance your career if you desire to become a pharmacist. While additional training and education is necessary to attain this goal, you’ll have a solid foundation by first attending a pharmacy technician program.
New York Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Training Programs
Bronx, NY
Brooklyn, NY
| School | Location | Contact |
|---|
| ASA College | Brooklyn, NY | (877) 380-5632 |
Buffalo, NY
Long Island City, NY
Middletown, NY
| School | Location | Contact |
|---|
| SUNY Orange | Middletown, NY | (845) 344-6222 |
New York, NY
Newburgh, NY
Queens, NY
Rockville Centre, NY
Staten Island, NY